Russia to Modernize Two Strategic Bombers in 2015

Two Tu-160 strategic bombers will be upgraded in 2015. This information was furnished by a source in the Russian aircraft industry.

“In 2015, it is planned to upgrade two aircraft. In 2016, the Samara-based Kuznetsov will deliver the first batch of NK-32 engines. They will be installed on the strategic bomber that will be adopted by the Russian Air Force in 2017,” the source said, noting that the Tu-160 modernization program announced in early 2012 will be completed before 2020.

The Defence Ministry earlier reported that the bombers would be fitted with new weaponry and upgraded avionics. The modernization program is being implemented by the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Plant. In 2014, the long-range aviation pilots received the modernized bomber named Andrey Tupolev.